Best Powered Speakers – 2018 Buyer’s Guide

At GPUnerd we typically focus on graphics cards and gaming PC components, we also have a fair amount of experience with speakers – powered speakers, bluetooth speakers, bookshelf speakers, gaming speakers – you name it! We think that anything you find on the internet today when you’re in the market for a good set of powered speakers is simply rubbish. Hence why we have created this article to guide you on the best bang-for-your-buck powered speakers to buy in 2018. Wondering which type of powered speakers to go for? One that has great portability? Or better yet, one that produces the best sound quality? We have a variety of reviews of the best powered speakers from which you can make an informed choice from. Read on!

 1. BEHRINGER EUROLIVE B212XL (Editors Pick)

http://www.amazon.com/BehringerB212XLBEHRINGEREUROLIVE/dp/B001XWD3LC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276153&sr=81&keywords=eurolive+b212xl&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=80de61f90f51ef1c7c95e73bc777f7a9” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/BehringerB212XLBEHRINGEREUROLIVE/dp/B001XWD3LC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276153&sr=81&keywords=eurolive+b212xl&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=80de61f90f51ef1c7c95e73bc777f7a9“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/BEHRINGEREUROLIVEB212XLPoweredSpeaker300×300.jpg” alt=”BEHRINGER EUROLIVE B212XL Powered Speaker” width=”410″ height=”410″ />

Behringer, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. Unbeatable price. Excellent sound. Simple setup. Lightweight construction. Pure mid and high tones. Bottomless bass. Wide sound dispersion. And we totally love that you can get these speakers in either black or white. So they’ll match your iPhone. Mic drop!

 2. QSC K10 (Amazon’s Choice)

Best for Clear-as-a-Bell Sound, Anywhere

http://www.amazon.com/BehringerB212XLBEHRINGEREUROLIVE/dp/B001XWD3LC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276153&sr=81&keywords=eurolive+b212xl&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=80de61f90f51ef1c7c95e73bc777f7a9” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/BehringerB212XLBEHRINGEREUROLIVE/dp/B004R6EMXY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276153&sr=81&keywords=eurolive+b212xl&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=80de61f90f51ef1c7c95e73bc777f7a9“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/QSCK10PoweredSpeaker300×300.jpg” alt=”QSC K10 Powered Speaker” width=”406″ height=”406″ />

Need a speaker that can handle any venue, large or small? This is it! Specially engineered to produce equally vibrant, clear sound anywhere in the listening field—whether right in front or at the back of the room—this speaker lives up to the hype. It boasts an internal subwoofer, limiter settings for vocals or extra bass, and three inputs that can be mixed simultaneously. And it’s made of ABS material, which is not only super durable, but it also maintains the best sound integrity.

3. Yamaha DXR15

Best for Powerful Sound on the Go

http://www.amazon.com/YamahaDXR15PoweredSpeakerCabinet/dp/B0078A810G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276253&sr=81&keywords=yamaha+dxr15&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=deaccc732dc663acfd4875241156614d” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/YamahaDXR15PoweredSpeakerCabinet/dp/B0078A810G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276253&sr=81&keywords=yamaha+dxr15&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=deaccc732dc663acfd4875241156614d“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/YamahaDXR15PoweredSpeakerCabinet192×300.jpg” alt=”Yamaha DXR15 Powered Speaker Cabinet” width=”265″ height=”414″ />

Yamaha has really impressed with the DXR series. This speaker is compact, but still packs a powerful punch, and delivers pure, even sound without sacrificing high or low frequencies. It’s smaller than other high-end speakers, but it sounds just as amazing! It even has DSP technology built in for great sound processing. We love the simple setup, portability, great sound, and exceptional power of these speakers.

4. QSC K12 (By far the loudest)

Best for Pumping Those Lows

http://www.amazon.com/QSCK122WayPoweredSpeaker/dp/B000BKJPQY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276207&sr=81&keywords=qsc+k12&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=5243190d8c3955b35d567c955221bb14” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/QSCK122WayPoweredSpeaker/dp/B004R6EMXY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276207&sr=81&keywords=qsc+k12&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=5243190d8c3955b35d567c955221bb14“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/QSCK12PoweredSpeaker190×300.jpg” alt=”QSC K12 Powered Speaker” width=”258″ height=”407″ />

We are seriously loving the QSC K series. These speakers are unmatched in their even sound dispersion and versatility. With a 12-inch built-in woofer, the QSC K12 speaker can reach lower frequencies than any other speaker in its class, without distorting or losing any of the crystal-clear tones we’ve come to expect from K series powered speakers. We like big bass and we cannot lie!

5. Bose F1 Model 812

Best for Changing It Up

http://www.amazon.com/BoseModelFlexibleArrayLoudspeaker/dp/B013IJ55C2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276272&sr=82&keywords=bose+f1+812&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=2329968101fd1975e5deb2e3fe31484e” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/BoseModelFlexibleArrayLoudspeaker/dp/B013IJ55C2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276272&sr=82&keywords=bose+f1+812&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=2329968101fd1975e5deb2e3fe31484e“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/BoseF1Model812FlexibleArrayLoudspeaker300×300.jpg” alt=”Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker” width=”408″ height=”408″ />

Okay, listen up party people. This speaker is seriously cool. Bose built a flexible array into this portable speaker cabinet that lets you customize the direction of the sound into four different patterns. So, whatever kind of audience you’re playing to, you can make sure the sound goes exactly where you want it to go. Add in Bose’s incredible clarity and natural sound, and this speaker is more than worth saving up for.

6. Yamaha DBR Series DBR12

Best for Keeping It Tight

http://www.amazon.com/YamahaDBR12PoweredSpeakerCabinet/dp/B00NIS8IZ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276298&sr=81&keywords=dbr12&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=862ba46505e6789c460834dc73f2d689” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/YamahaDBR12PoweredSpeakerCabinet/dp/B00NIS8IZ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276298&sr=81&keywords=dbr12&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=862ba46505e6789c460834dc73f2d689“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/YamahaDBRSeriesDBR12PoweredSpeakerCabinet189×300.jpg” alt=”Yamaha DBR Series DBR12 Powered Speaker Cabinet” width=”253″ height=”402″ />

The DBR series speakers specialize in keeping sounds crisp, controlled, and even. No distortion or fuzziness here! And these speakers can be used as a main speaker or easily converted to use as a floor monitor. For small-to-medium sized venues, you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha DBR series. You’ll be shocked at how much power and sound quality you can get out of this little baby.

7. Electro-Voice ZLX12P

Best for Starving Artists

http://www.amazon.com/ElectroVoiceZLX12PTwoWayPoweredLoudspeaker/dp/B00CE0VLXO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276321&sr=81&keywords=zlx12p&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=f2238363fc3f3ae86538632f6e5a63f2” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/ElectroVoiceZLX12PTwoWayPoweredLoudspeaker/dp/B00CE0VLXO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276321&sr=81&keywords=zlx12p&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=f2238363fc3f3ae86538632f6e5a63f2“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/ElectroVoiceZLX12PPoweredSpeaker195×300.jpg” alt=”Electro-Voice ZLX12P Powered Speaker” width=”265″ height=”408″ />

What we love about the Electro-Voice ZLX12P: the fabulous price and the distinct clarity. Have you ever been to a show and thought, “Well, that was nice but I had no idea what they were saying?” Here is the solution! This speaker is PERFECT for clean, crisp vocals. So start your warmups because it’s time for open mic night.

8. Mackie THUMP15 Thump Series

Best for Mind Blowing Bass on a Budget

http://www.amazon.com/MackieTHUMP1515InchPoweredLoudspeaker/dp/B00LTZHOC2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482542360&sr=81&keywords=mackie+thump+15&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=3427f68f60bc76a0a4928da7585bcbb7” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/MackieTHUMP1515InchPoweredLoudspeaker/dp/B00LTZHOC2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482542360&sr=81&keywords=mackie+thump+15&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=3427f68f60bc76a0a4928da7585bcbb7“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/MackieTHUMP15PoweredSpeaker187×300.jpg” alt=”Mackie THUMP15 Powered Speaker” width=”250″ height=”401″ />

You shouldn’t be able to get such powerful, clear sounds from a speaker without having to pay through the nose for it, but Mackie has managed to deliver just that. The THUMP15 specializes in providing—you guessed it—heart-pumping, eyeball-squeezing, liver-bursting bass, housed in a compact and light cabinet. Okay, let’s forget that description and just go with, “You’re gonna like it.” Trust us!

9. Rockville RPG122K

Best for Your Techie Friend

http://www.amazon.com/RockvilleRPG122K12inchSpeakersMicrophone/dp/B00M3LQLQQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276342&sr=81&keywords=rpg122k&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=7704af4efadc173c42a4d464b0449d72” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/RockvilleRPG122K12inchSpeakersMicrophone/dp/B00M3LQLQQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276342&sr=81&keywords=rpg122k&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=7704af4efadc173c42a4d464b0449d72“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/RockvilleRPG122kPoweredSpeaker197×300.jpg” alt=”Rockville RPG122k Powered Speaker” width=”281″ height=”428″ />

There’s a lot to love about these powerful, versatile speakers. They offer great sound, clear highs, deep bass, and easy setup. They also come in a pair, and with a wireless remote control, stands, and a microphone, you’ve got all you need for karaoke night! And what’s more, these puppies are Bluetooth enabled. So stop tripping over cords and stressing about connections. Embrace the future.

 10. Pyle Pro Bluetooth Speaker System

Best for Intimate Venues

http://www.amazon.com/PYLEPROPPHP1537UB15InchBluetoothFunction/dp/B00BQOI2DG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276381&sr=82&keywords=pyle+pro+bluetooth+speaker&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=924a94b50b3918ca10ba991c03f25b83” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/PYLEPROPPHP1537UB15InchBluetoothFunction/dp/B00BQOI2DG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276381&sr=82&keywords=pyle+pro+bluetooth+speaker&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=924a94b50b3918ca10ba991c03f25b83“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/PYLEPROPPHP1037UBBluetoothPoweredSpeaker300×300.jpg” alt=”PYLE-PRO PPHP1037UB Bluetooth Powered Speaker” width=”400″ height=”400″ />

Here’s another Bluetooth speaker that we can’t stop raving about. This little speaker is a “good things come in small packages” kind of guy. Incredibly portable and light, the Pyle Bluetooth Loudspeaker releases a surprisingly loud and clear sound. This speaker is excellent for smaller venues, where it can really shine with its professional sound and quality.

11. JBL EON612

Best for Studio-Quality Portable Sound

http://www.amazon.com/JBLEON612MonitorPoweredSpeaker/dp/B00N2AZRNU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276429&sr=81&keywords=jbl+eon612&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=31badfe36561ff0cc19107374f35fe9e” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.amazon.com/JBLEON612MonitorPoweredSpeaker/dp/B00N2AZRNU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1482276429&sr=81&keywords=jbl+eon612&linkCode=sl1&tag=isgpunerd20&linkId=31badfe36561ff0cc19107374f35fe9e“>http://gpunerd.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/12/JBLEON612PoweredSpeaker300×197.jpg” alt=”JBL EON612 Powered Speaker” width=”553″ height=”363″ />

JBL has designed this speaker completely from scratch to get the most professional sound possible from a portable PA speaker. This isn’t just another mass-produced machine. It’s been developed and honed for audiophiles to enjoy a truly immersive listening experience. We also love that it’s been specifically designed to be extra portable, and that it’s Bluetooth enabled.

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